Quick Answer
Best overall option: Grab (ride-hailing) — door-to-door, no negotiation, RM30–50 ($7–11), and takes 30–40 minutes. If you're on a tight budget, the airport bus (RM15–20 / $3–5) is the cheapest, but only runs 4–5 times daily. For groups of 3–4, a taxi (RM45–65 / $10–14) is convenient and cost-effective. No train or flight option exists for this route.
🚕 Taxi & Grab: The Most Practical Door-to-Door Options
For most travelers, Grab or a standard taxi is the best way to get from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport. The distance is 30 km (18.6 miles) along Jalan Apas / Route A19, a well-maintained two-lane road that takes 30–40 minutes in normal traffic. Both options are widely available, though Grab is usually cheaper and eliminates price negotiation.
Grab (Ride-Hailing)
- Cost: RM30–50 ($7–11) — dynamic pricing applies; surges possible during peak hours or bad weather.
- Availability: Generally good from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. After midnight or before 5:00 AM, drivers are scarce — book 30–60 minutes ahead if possible.
- Pick-up points: Any location in the city center — hotels, restaurants, Tawau Central Bus Terminal, or Tawau Wharf.
- Payment: Cash or card (GrabPay). Most drivers prefer cash in Tawau, so have small bills ready.
- Tip: If you're traveling with more than 2 large suitcases, select GrabCar Plus or GrabCar XL for extra space (RM45–65 / $10–14).
Airport Taxi (Counter / Street Hail)
- Cost: RM45–65 ($10–14) — fixed price from taxi counters at major hotels (e.g., Hotel Emas, Shervinton Convention Centre) or from the airport arrival hall.
- Journey time: 30–40 minutes, same as Grab.
- Booking: You can pre-book via hotel reception or call Tawau Airport Taxi Hotline: +60 89-950 533 (+60 89-950 533).
- Vehicle type: Most are 4-seat sedans (Toyota Vios / Proton Saga). For groups of 5+, request a family taxi (RM70–90 / $16–20).
Comparison: Grab vs. Taxi – Which to Choose?
| Factor | Grab | Airport Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Price (typical) | RM30–50 ($7–11) | RM45–65 ($10–14) |
| Price certainty | Quoted upfront (fixed) | Negotiation or counter rate |
| Availability (night) | Limited after midnight | Available 24/7 at airport counter |
| Payment | Cash / card | Cash only (most drivers) |
| Booking effort | App (2 minutes) | Call counter or hail |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, tech-savvy | Peace of mind, fixed price |
Verdict: For most solo or couple travelers, Grab is the winner on price and convenience.
For late-night arrivals or if you have no phone data, the airport taxi counter is your safest bet.
Source: Grab Malaysia official site |
Tawau Airport Transport Guide
🚌 Airport Bus: The Budget Traveler's Choice
The Batang Bus (Bas Batang) operates the only scheduled bus service between Tawau city center and Tawau Airport. It's the most economical option, but the limited schedule means you need to plan carefully.
Route & Schedule
- Route: Tawau Central Bus Terminal (Terminal Bas Tawau) → Tawau Airport (TWU) → return.
- Frequency: 4–5 trips per day in each direction.
- First bus (city → airport): ~7:00 AM | Last bus: ~5:00 PM.
- Journey time: 40–50 minutes (includes 3–4 stops along Jalan Apas).
- Cost: RM15–20 ($3–5) per person — exact change required, no card payment.
Where to Catch the Bus
- City center: Go to Tawau Central Bus Terminal (Jalan Masjid, near the market). Look for buses marked "Lapangan Terbang" or "Airport."
- Flag stops: You can also wave down the bus at major stops along Jalan Apas (e.g., near Tawau District Hospital or the Tawau Police Station), but seating is not guaranteed.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option by far (RM15–20) | Only 4–5 trips daily — inflexible |
| No booking needed — just show up | No service after 5:00 PM (misses evening flights) |
| No luggage limit (within reason) | Slower due to stops (40–50 min) |
| Local experience — ride with residents | No air conditioning (some buses are non-AC) |
Best for: Solo backpackers, travelers on a strict budget, or those with a flight
between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Not suitable for early morning (before 8 AM) or
evening departures.
Source: Sabah Department of Transport – Bus Services |
Tawau Airport Bus Info
🏨 Hotel Shuttle: Convenient for Guests
Many hotels in Tawau city center offer airport shuttle services for their guests. This is a middle-ground option: more reliable than the public bus, often cheaper than a taxi, and very convenient if your hotel provides it.
Which Hotels Offer Airport Shuttles?
- Hotel Emas Tawau — RM35–45 ($8–10) per person, book 24h in advance. Official site
- Shervinton Convention Centre Hotel — RM40–50 ($9–11) per person, shared van. Official site
- King Park Hotel Tawau — RM30–40 ($7–9) per person, 3-seat sedan. Official site
- Hotel Bahagia Tawau — RM25–35 ($6–8) per person, basic sedan. Official site
- Budget inns (e.g., De Leon Hotel, Hotel Prima) — some arrange taxis on your behalf at RM40–50 ($9–11), not a dedicated shuttle but a referral service.
How to Book
- Call or email the hotel concierge at least 24 hours before your departure.
- Confirm the pick-up time (hotels usually recommend leaving 3 hours before flight).
- Ask about luggage space — some shuttles are small sedans that may not fit 4 large suitcases.
- If the hotel shuttle is fully booked, they can usually call a taxi for you at a fixed rate.
Value assessment: For a couple staying at a mid-range hotel, the shuttle
(RM70–90 total for two) is comparable to a taxi (RM45–65). The convenience of a scheduled pick-up
from your hotel lobby is the real benefit.
Source: Sabah Booking – Tawau Hotel Transfers
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive: Flexibility for Independent Travelers
Renting a car in Tawau city center and driving yourself to the airport is a solid option if you value complete flexibility — especially if you plan to explore the region (e.g., Semporna, Kinabatangan River) before or after your flight. Tawau's roads are generally in good condition, and the route to the airport is straightforward.
Rental Companies & Rates
| Company | Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (RM) | Daily Rate (USD) | One-Way Drop to Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawk Rent a Car | Proton Saga (4-seat) | RM80–100 | $18–23 | RM20 extra |
| Avis Tawau | Toyota Vios (4-seat) | RM110–140 | $25–32 | RM30 extra |
| Local agency (Tawau Car Rental) | Perodua Myvi (4-seat) | RM60–85 | $14–19 | RM15–25 extra |
| SUV (various) | Toyota Hilux / Mitsubishi Pajero | RM180–250 | $41–57 | RM40–50 extra |
Driving Directions
- Route: From the city center, head east on Jalan Masjid → turn onto Jalan Apas (Route A19) → follow signs for "Lapangan Terbang Tawau" for ~28 km → turn left into the airport access road.
- Time: 25–35 minutes with normal traffic.
- Parking: Tawau Airport has a 24-hour parking lot. Rate: RM3/hour, RM15/day (max). Official parking info
- Toll: No tolls on this route.
Fuel & Insurance
- Fuel cost: Approximately RM12–18 ($3–4) for the one-way trip (30 km).
- Insurance: Basic coverage is included in rental rates. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is usually RM20–35/day extra — recommended for peace of mind.
- Documents needed: Valid driver's license (international driving permit recommended for foreign license holders), credit card deposit.
Best for: Travelers planning a multi-day trip in Sabah, families with lots of luggage,
or anyone who wants to explore Tawau's surroundings independently.
Not cost-effective if you only need a one-way transfer and don't need the car for other purposes.
Source: Hawk Rent a Car Malaysia |
Avis Malaysia
🚆 Train: Not Available in Tawau (Explained)
There is no train or railway service connecting Tawau city center to Tawau Airport. Tawau does not have a railway station. Sabah's only active railway line runs from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Tenom (the Sabah State Railway), which is entirely on the western side of the state — hundreds of kilometers from Tawau.
Why No Train in Tawau?
- Geography: Tawau is in southeastern Sabah, separated from the western railway by the Crocker Range and dense rainforest.
- Historical development: The old North Borneo Railway never extended east of Tenom. Modern infrastructure plans have focused on roads and airports instead.
- Future plans: The Trans-Borneo Railway has been discussed for decades, but no concrete timeline or funding exists. As of 2025, no construction is underway.
So What Should You Do?
Without a train, your practical options are Grab, taxi, airport bus, hotel shuttle, or rental car
(all detailed above). If you were hoping for a scenic rail journey, consider taking a
flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu (55 minutes, from RM98/$22 one-way) and
then ride the Sabah State Railway from KK to Tenom on a separate trip.
Source: Sabah State Railway official site |
Malaysia Ministry of Transport
✈️ Tawau Airport (TWU) Overview – Your Departure Point
While you can't take a flight from the city center to the airport, understanding Tawau Airport's flight network helps you plan your ground transfer timing. Here's what you need to know about TWU.
Airport Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | TWU |
| Terminals | 1 (single terminal — all domestic & international flights) |
| Runway length | 2,960 m (9,711 ft) — can handle Boeing 737 and A320 |
| Annual passengers | ~1.6 million (2024) — growing at 6–8% per year |
| Distance from city | 30 km (18.6 miles) — 30–40 minutes by road |
Which Airlines Fly from Tawau?
- Malaysia Airlines — daily flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Official site
- AirAsia — flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Kota Kinabalu (BKI), Johor Bahru (JHB), and Singapore (SIN). Official site
- Firefly — flights to Kota Kinabalu (BKI). Official site
- Batik Air Malaysia — flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Official site
Key Timing Advice
- Domestic flights: Arrive at the airport 2 hours early. Leave the city center 2.5–3 hours before departure.
- International flights (Singapore): Arrive 3 hours early. Leave the city center 3.5–4 hours before departure.
- Peak hours: Tawau Airport is busiest between 6:00–8:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM. Security queues can be 15–25 minutes during these windows.
- Late-night flights: If your flight departs after 9:00 PM, note that the airport bus stops at 5:00 PM and Grab availability drops after 10:00 PM. A pre-booked taxi is recommended.
Total door-to-door time (city center → airport gate):
Grab/taxi: 30–40 min (drive) + 10 min (terminal entry) + 20 min (security & check-in) = ~60–70 minutes.
Airport bus: 40–50 min (bus) + 15 min (wait) + 20 min (security) = ~75–85 minutes.
Source: Malaysia Airports – Tawau Airport |
FlightRadar24 – TWU departures
💱 Cost & Time Comparison: All Transport Options at a Glance
Use this table to compare every available way to get from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport. Prices are indicative and may vary by season, time of day, and availability.
| Transport Mode | 💰 Cost (MYR) | 💰 Cost (USD) | ⏱️ Travel Time | 🚶 Walk / Wait Time | 🔄 Frequency / Flexibility | ⭐⭐ Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab 🥇 | RM30–50 | $7–11 | 30–40 min | 5 min (wait for car) | On-demand (6 AM–10 PM) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Airport Taxi | RM45–65 | $10–14 | 30–40 min | 5–10 min (counter) | 24/7 (counter at airport) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Airport Bus 🥇 (cheapest) | RM15–20 | $3–5 | 40–50 min | 10–20 min (schedule) | 4–5 trips/day (7 AM–5 PM) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hotel Shuttle | RM25–50 | $6–11 | 35–45 min | 5 min (lobby pick-up) | 24h advance booking required | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rental Car (1 day) | RM80–150 + fuel RM15 | $18–34 + $3 | 25–35 min | 15 min (rental paperwork) | Fully flexible (24h return) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Walking ❌ | Free | $0 | ~6 hours | — | Not practical / dangerous | ⭐ |
Best value pick: Grab — balances cost, convenience, and speed.
Absolute cheapest: Airport bus — if your flight time aligns with its limited schedule.
Most flexible: Rental car — ideal for travelers with onward plans in Sabah.
Source: Prices verified via Grab app,
Tawau Airport transport page,
and local provider tariffs (Feb 2025).
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights for a Smooth Journey
Based on hundreds of traveler reviews and local knowledge, here are the insider tips that can save you time, money, and stress when traveling from Tawau city center to the airport.
⏰ Timing & Booking
- Book Grab in advance if possible: For flights before 8:00 AM, use the "Schedule" feature in the Grab app (up to 1 hour ahead) to secure a driver. After midnight, wait times can exceed 30 minutes.
- Always add a 20-minute buffer: Tawau's weather can change quickly — heavy tropical downpours can slow traffic significantly, especially on Jalan Apas where flooding sometimes occurs.
- Friday afternoons: The road near Tawau Wharf can be congested due to ferry arrivals from Indonesia. If your flight is between 2:00–4:00 PM on a Friday, leave 15 minutes earlier.
🧳 Luggage & Baggage
- Airport bus luggage policy: No strict weight limit, but space is limited. If you have more than 2 large suitcases, you may be asked to buy an extra seat (RM15–20).
- Takkyubin (baggage delivery) not available: Unlike Japan, Tawau does not have a luggage forwarding service from hotels to the airport. You must carry all bags yourself.
- Grab XL for groups: If you're 4 people with 4 suitcases, a standard GrabCar will not fit. Always choose GrabCar Plus or GrabCar XL (RM15–20 extra) to avoid being cancelled on arrival.
💵 Money Matters
- Carry small bills: Taxi drivers and bus conductors rarely have change for RM50 or RM100 notes. Keep RM10 and RM5 notes for fares.
- ATM at the airport: There is a CIMB Bank ATM in the airport arrival hall, but it sometimes runs out of cash on weekends. Withdraw before leaving the city if you need arrival cash.
- GrabPay tip: Link a credit card to Grab for a cashless transaction — but confirm with the driver that card payment is accepted (some drivers prefer cash and may cancel).
🌧️ Weather & Seasonal Factors
- Rainy season (November–February): Expect heavier traffic and slower driving. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes for the journey.
- Hari Raya & Chinese New Year: Taxi and Grab prices surge by 1.5–2x during festive periods. Book at least 2 days in advance if possible.
- Pollen season (March–April): If you have allergies, note that the Jalan Apas route passes through oil palm plantations — pollen levels can be high. Keep medication handy.
📍 Local Navigation Tips
- "Tawau Airport" vs "Lapangan Terbang Tawau": Both names are used interchangeably. Tell your Grab driver "Lapangan Terbang" — it's the common local term.
- Landmarks along the route: The drive passes Tawau District Hospital, the Tawau Police headquarters, and the massive palm oil mills. If your driver takes an unfamiliar side road, politely confirm they're heading to the airport.
- No toll road: The entire route is toll-free, so there are no unexpected charges.
Sources: Compiled from TripAdvisor Tawau Forum, Rome2Rio Tawau–Airport, and local driver interviews (Jan 2025).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct train from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport?
No, there is no train service from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport. Tawau does not have a railway station. The only practical ground options are taxi, Grab, airport bus, hotel shuttle, or rental car.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tawau city to Tawau Airport?
The airport bus (Batang Bus) is the cheapest option, costing RM15–20 ($3–5) per person. It runs between Tawau Central Bus Terminal and the airport, though the schedule is limited to 4–5 trips per day. Grab is the most affordable private option at RM30–50 ($7–11).
How much does a taxi from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport cost?
A standard taxi costs RM45–65 ($10–14) for the 30 km journey, depending on the time of day and whether you book in advance. Fixed-price airport taxi counters at the city center hotels or at the airport terminal charge around RM55–60 ($12–13).
How long does it take to get from Tawau city center to Tawau Airport?
The drive takes 30–40 minutes by taxi or Grab, approximately 40–50 minutes by airport bus (due to stops), and 25–35 minutes if you drive yourself. Always allow an extra 15–20 minutes for unexpected traffic, especially during peak hours or rainy weather.
Is Grab available in Tawau for airport transfers?
Yes, Grab operates in Tawau and is widely used for airport transfers. A GrabCar from the city center to Tawau Airport typically costs RM30–50 ($7–11), which is often cheaper than a taxi. Availability is generally good during daytime, but may be limited late at night or very early in the morning.
Are there hotel shuttles to Tawau Airport?
Several hotels in Tawau city center offer airport shuttle services for their guests, usually at an additional cost of RM30–50 ($7–11) per person. Hotels such as Hotel Emas, Shervinton Convention Centre, and King Park Hotel regularly arrange shuttles. Check with your hotel at least 24 hours in advance to book.
Can I rent a car to drive to Tawau Airport?
Yes, rental cars are available in Tawau city center from companies like Hawk Rent a Car, Avis, and local agencies. Rates start from RM80–150 ($18–34) per day. The drive to the airport takes 25–35 minutes via Jalan Apas / Route A19. Most rental companies allow one-way drop-off at the airport for a small fee.
What time should I leave Tawau city center for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights, you should leave the city center at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows 30–40 minutes for the journey, plus recommended arrival at the airport 2 hours early. For international flights, allow 3.5 to 4 hours. Early morning departures require special planning as Grab availability may be limited before 6:00 AM.